Faceguard

ABSTRACT

A faceguard to be mounted on a football helmet which greatly reduces the ability of an opposing player to penetrate the exterior surface of the faceguard and grasp, with his/her hands, the faceguard and rotate the wearer&#39;s head in such a way as to cause injury to the wearer&#39;s head, neck, or spine. Furthermore, the faceguard will accomplish the above stated while still providing appropriate ventilation for the wearer and allow the wearer to receive water from a standard squeeze type sports water bottle. The faceguard is provided with a flush elastomeric mounting bushing to make the faceguard simpler to manufacture and easier and less awkward to mount to a football helmet. The flush elastomeric mounting bushing provides shock absorption between the faceguard and the helmet at the mounting points. The flush feature of the mounting bushing provides an additional safety benefit of decreasing the likelihood that the mounting will be caught on a player&#39;s uniform or cause any puncture or scrape to the skin of another player. The flush feature also makes it difficult for an opposing player to grip or hold the facemask of the wearer. The faceguard is constructed of a single body of injection molded clear or tinted plastic which can withstand high-impact in order to sustain the abuse required of such a device in the game of football.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of protective faceguards andfacemasks for use on protective helmets worn by participants playingvarious sports such as football, rugby, lacrosse, and hockey.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various activities in industry, the military, and sports require the useof a helmet with a faceguard. The faceguard must protect against theanticipated hazards while providing for maximum achievable vision,appropriate ventilation, and communication. A wide variety of faceguardsaccommodate these needs by use of metal rods welded together with spacesbetween the rods to allow for visibility, ventilation, andcommunication. Others are constructed of non-metallic materials whichreplace the metal rods. Finally, some are constructed of durable,transparent material that has strength, impact resistance, meltingpoint, and other characteristics that protect against the anticipatedhazards.

A variety of fasteners are used to secure the various faceguards totheir respective helmets. These fastening devices generally take theform of clasps and are separate from both the faceguard and the helmet.Hardware, such as screws, is generally used to secure the fasteningdevice to the helmet while the fastening device clasps the faceguard.The fastening devices are durable. Certain varieties absorb at leastsome of the impact from the faceguard when it is struck, which reducesthe impact transferred to the helmet and then to the wearer's head.

Despite these efforts, injuries resulting from objects penetrating afaceguard still occur. Faceguards or face guards are prevalent in anycontact sport, to include hockey, football, lacrosse, etc., but thereare none that effectively address the safety concerns regarding grabbingof the face guard by another player. This type of action by anotherplayer is illegal, yet frighteningly common in the game of football. Asimple examination of game photos can prove that this type of actioncould be a cause of serious head and neck injuries. The excerpt below ispulled from the Annual Survey of Football Injury Research 1931-2005*:

Since 1960 most of the direct fatalities have been caused by head andneck injuries, and in fact since 1990 all but three of the direct deathshave been brain injuries. We must continue to reduce head and neckinjuries. (Mueller).

Another important effort has been and continues to be the improvement offootball protective equipment. It is imperative that old and wornequipment be properly renovated or discarded and continued emphasis beplaced on developing the best equipment possible. Manufacturers,coaches, trainers, and physicians should continue their joint andindividual efforts toward this end. (Mueller)

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

“Impact Resistant Face Shield” (U.S. Pat. No. 6,038,705) by Jarvis'teaches a face shield which covers approximately from the nose upwardand therefore does not protect the mouth, chin or lower jaws. If Jarviswere to extend his faceguard down to protect these areas of the face,breathing would cause fogging, communication would be impaired, and thewearer would have difficulty drinking without removing the faceguard.Jarvis is concerned primarily with optical lenses and view clarity of afaceguard whereas the instant invention is emphasizes the safety aspectsassociated with making it difficult for an opposing player to grip orhold the faceguard of the wearer due to the sizing and positioning ofthe openings in the grid and flush fit of the guard to the helmet forprotection of the wearer's face and neck. Attachment means for Jarvis'face shield stick out in such a way as to become snagged on the clothingand equipment of other players.

There have been, however, inventions in the past that have attempted tosolve this safety problem, but have stopped short of providing the fullprotection required to make the intended additional safety a reality.For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,999,856 for “Facemask Protection Device”by DuVall, the inventor addresses the safety concern of a player's handpenetrating through an existing metal rod facemask assembly with acontoured internal plastic cover. However, DuVall fails to address thefact that grabbing can, in fact, still occur to the left and right ofthe wearer's upper face opening and that the penetration that is allowedby the mask (as shown in FIG. 3) may still be enough to cause injury tothe wearer.

Neither of the above patents provides means for connecting the faceguardto a helmet which are free from protruding edges or corners which willcatch on clothing, e.g., or possibly injure others in contact with theuser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an injection molded one piece faceguardwith a clear viewing surrounded by a frame area reaching down over themouth and chin. The area covering the mouth is provided with slots orotherwise shaped apertures which are too small for finger penetrationbut allow a drinking straw to pass through and provide for breathingwithout fogging of the viewing area and for easy communication withothers. The faceguard is shaped so that when it is mounted onto astandard football helmet, the edges are tapered and/or contoured toblend in with the general shape of the helmet so that the resultinginterface is generally smooth with minimal irregularities or protrudingedges or points. Even the fasteners are attached in such a way as tominimize irregularities or protruding edges. It is expected that thefaceguard will be attached in a fixed manner such that it will noteasily detach or pivot during use. The overall shape of the faceguard issomewhat streamlined to blend in with the smooth streamlined nature of afootball helmet.

Elastomeric bushings are provided on the periphery of the faceguard formounting to a helmet. When the faceguard is attached to the helmet withthese bushings, there are no edges or parts protruding out from theresulting assembly.

The present invention teaches a faceguard protection device for mountingto a football helmet comprising an upper viewing area surrounded by anintegral frame section which extends downwards and outwards to cover auser's nose, cheeks, mouth and chin, and has formed therein a number ofapertures of sufficient size to enable a user to speak, breathe and passa drinking straw therethrough. The apertures are incapable of allowingfinger sized objects passage therethrough and the faceguard is shaped toyield a generally streamlined interface between the faceguard and thehelmet when it is mounted onto the helmet, without stray or protrudingedges at any joining parts of the faceguard or helmet and thereforepreventing the hooking or grabbing of opposing players garments orfingers and preventing opposing players from gripping the wearer'shelmet by the facemask which can result in injuries to the head and neckregion of the wearer. The faceguard also has at least three mountinglugs, wherein are formed apertures, the at least three lugs areintegrally attached to the periphery of the faceguard for attaching thefaceguard to the helmet.

It is an objective of this invention is to provide a faceguard.

It is also an objective of this invention to provide a faceguard whichwill reduce the ability of an opponents hand or other object topenetrate the faceguard.

It is also an objective of this invention to provide a faceguard whichwill reduce the capability of the faceguard being grabbed by an outsideagent, such as an opposing player, thus reducing the opportunity forinjury to the wearer's head, neck, and spine by preventing anotherplayer from grabbing the faceguard and using it to twist the wearer'shead, or injury to an opposing player's fingers, wrist or hand by notallowing said opposing player's fingers or hand to penetrate into theinterior of the faceguard or to grab it.

It is also an objective of this invention to provide a faceguard whichwill reduce the opportunity for injury to the wearer's nose, mouth, andchin by preventing the penetration of the faceguard by an opposingplayer's fingers or hand.

It is also an objective of this invention to provide a faceguard whichwill reduce the opportunity for injury to the wearer's head, neck, andspine by incorporating elastomeric flush bushing mounting points intothe faceguard allowing it to be secured directly to the helmet withreduced use of clasps and thus providing a shock absorbingcharacteristic to the mount.

It is also an objective of this invention to provide a faceguard whichwill provide improved visibility for the wearer.

It is also an objective of this invention to provide a faceguard whichwill provide a faceguard which is easier to manufacture as compared to awelded rod face guard.

It is also an objective of this invention to provide a faceguard whichwill be easier to install than faceguards attaching to the helmet byclasps and hardware.

It is also an objective of this invention to provide a faceguard whichwill be lighter than faceguards constructed of welded metal.

It is also an objective of this invention to provide a faceguard whichwill maintain a clear and clean appearance with reduced maintenanceeffort compared to existing designs.

It is also an objective of this invention to provide a faceguard whichcan be tinted, giving better vision when looking into the sun or brightlights.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention will be had uponreference to the following description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like partsthroughout the views wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a football helmet with the faceguard ofthe present invention installed.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the flush elastomeric mountingbushing used to mount the faceguard to a football helmet.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a football helmet with the faceguard ofthe present invention installed including a wire frame molded within theperiphery of the faceguard to add strength.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a football helmet with a two piecefaceguard assembled together and onto the helmet.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a football helmet with a faceguard whichextends below the chin to protect more of the player

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a faceguardto be mounted onto a helmet such as a standard football helmet whichprevents penetration of opponents fingers, etc. into the face area andreduces the possibility of an opponent grabbing the faceguard andtwisting or using it as a tool to throw the user to the ground.

The present invention achieves its intention as a safety device with thefollowing components as referenced in the drawings: A molded mainviewing window 18 and lower face protection section 19 make up the twomain sections of the faceguard 8. Molded in left and right mounting arms22 and mounting tabs 12R and 12L are provided with flush elastomericmounting bushings 10 through which screws 11 are passed and threadedinto threaded insert 15 to attach the faceguard 8 to the helmet 14.There exists a bridge 24 that is a molded feature to connect andstrengthen the mounting tabs 12R and 12L with the main viewing window 18of the faceguard 8. A flush elastomeric mounting bushing 10 comprised ofa flexible urethane or other such plastic material allows the faceguardto be mounted and absorb shock between it and the football helmet 14.Openings 16 in the clear or tinted main viewing window 18 allow forventilation of the players head and upper face while being small enoughto prevent another player's finger from penetrating the exterior surfaceof the main viewing window 18. Openings 20 allow for ventilation of theplayer's breath, escape of audible sounds from the player, and allow theplayer to intake water without removing the faceguard 8 or helmet 14while being small enough to prevent another player's finger frompenetrating the exterior surface of the lower face protection section19. Openings 21 in the lower face protection section 19 allow forventilation of the players breath and body heat while being small enoughto prevent another player's finger from penetrating. As shown in onepreferred embodiment in FIG. 1, the openings comprise a plurality oftrapezoidal shaped openings forming a grid in the center of thefaceguard or mask covering the mouth and a plurality of slits disposedon each side of the center grid. Moreover, the cross members forming thegrid can be formed having a rounded or tapered edge further decreasingthe ability of an opposing player to grip the lower portion of the mask.

Another embodiment of the present invention contains the addition of ametal rod frame 26 which adds strength to the faceguard. The plasticfaceguard may be molded around the metal frame 26 or the frame 26 may beattached in other ways such as screws, glue or the like.

Shown in FIG. 4, another embodiment comprises a faceguard 8 which hasthe upper section viewing window 18 and lower face protection section 19molded as separate components.

The lower edge of the viewing window 18 has an outer lip 38 whereinbores are contained to allow fasteners such as screws 34 to pass. Theupper edge of lower section 19 has a lip 36 wherein bores are containedwherein screws 34 can be threaded. Other means for fastening includerivets, snaps or the like. In addition, upper section 18 containsattachment lugs 32R and 32L (32L is not shown). This embodiment enablesa user to select differing combinations of viewing windows 18 and lowerface protection sections 19, either of which can be tinted with variouscolors.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment comprising a lower face protectionsection 19 which has been extended down to protect at least one and onehalf inches below the chin area.

Other embodiments include the following:

A faceguard that meets the description above, yet uses conventionalfacemask straps and features molded into the faceguard to attach to thefootball helmet;

A faceguard that achieves ventilation through non-visible openings inthe external surface of the faceguard or uses a “breathable” typematerial which requires no openings for ventilation;

A faceguard which uses opaque rather than transparent or tinted plasticor a combination of both to achieve the same safety and functionalgoals;

A faceguard achieving the same safety and functional goals with anaesthetically different design of ventilation openings;

The mounting arms and tabs attaching the faceguard to the helmet couldbe shaped differently to mount to different helmet mounting scenariosused by various helmet manufacturers; and

The exterior or interior surface of the faceguard could be coated withany number of films or substrates to improve vision characteristics,reduce glare, or change the color of the faceguard.

The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness ofunderstanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understoodtherefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in theart upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon departing from thespirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly,this invention is not intended to be limited by the specificexemplification presented herein above. Rather, what is intended to becovered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A helmet faceguard protection system comprising: a helmet; afaceguard protection device attached to said helmet comprising an upperviewing area surrounded by an upper integral frame section definingventilation apertures located outside the viewing area, a lower framesection extending downwards and outwards to cover a user's nose, cheeks,mouth and chin, said frame section has formed therein a number ofapertures of sufficient size to enable a user to speak, breathe and passa drinking straw therethrough, said apertures incapable of allowingfinger sized objects passage therethrough; said faceguard yielding anoverall streamlined shape which blends in with the shape of said helmetand a generally streamlined interface between said faceguard and saidhelmet when mounted onto said helmet without stray or protruding edgesat any joining parts of said faceguard or helmet and thereforepreventing the hooking or grabbing of opposing players garments orfingers; and at least three mounting lugs, wherein are formed apertures,said at least three lugs integrally attached to the periphery of saidfaceguard for attaching said faceguard to said helmet.
 2. A faceguardprotection device for mounting onto a football helmet comprising: anupper viewing area surrounded by an upper integral frame sectiondefining ventilation apertures located outside the viewing area, a lowerframe section extending downward and outward to cover a user's nose,cheeks, mouth and chin, said frame section having formed therein anumber of apertures of sufficient size to enable a user to speak,breathe and pass a drinking straw therethrough, said apertures incapableof allowing finger sized objects passage therethrough; said faceguardyielding an overall streamlined shape which blends in with the shape ofsaid helmet and a generally streamlined interface between said faceguardand said helmet when mounted onto said helmet without stray orprotruding edges at any joining parts of said faceguard or helmet andtherefore preventing the hooking or grabbing of opposing playersgarments or fingers; and at least three mounting lugs, wherein areformed apertures, said at least three lugs being integral with theperiphery of said faceguard for attaching said faceguard to said helmet.3. The faceguard protection device defined in claim 2 wherein saidfaceguard device is composed of clear plastic.
 4. The faceguardprotection device defined in claim 2 wherein said faceguard device iscomposed of tinted plastic.
 5. The faceguard protection device definedin claim 2 wherein said apertures within said lugs contain elastomericbushings, wherein are formed apertures for passing a fastenertherethrough for attaching said faceguard to said helmet, said bushingswithin said lugs yielding a streamlined configuration and providing ashock absorbing connection between said faceguard and said helmet. 6.The faceguard protection device defined in claim 2 further comprising ametal rod frame molded within said periphery of said faceguard, forstrengthening said faceguard and said at least three attachment lugs. 7.The faceguard protection device defined in claim 2 wherein said upperviewing area and said lower frame section comprise separate respectivesections, namely a first section and a second section, said firstsection having at least four bores formed in a lower edge thereof forconnecting said first section to said second section, said secondsection having at least four bores formed in an upper edge thereof forconnecting said second section to said first section; and at least fourmeans for fastening inserted within said at least four bores in each ofsaid first and said second sections fixedly attaching said first sectionto said second section.
 8. The faceguard protection device defined inclaim 7 wherein said first section is composed of tinted plastic.
 9. Thefaceguard protection device defined in claim 7 wherein said secondsection is composed of tinted plastic.
 10. A faceguard protection devicefor mounting to a helmet comprising: an upper viewing area surrounded byan upper integral frame section defining ventilation apertures locatedoutside the viewing area, a lower frame section extending downward andoutward to cover a user's nose, cheeks, mouth, chin, and at least oneand one half inches below said user's chin, said frame section hasformed therein a number of apertures of sufficient size to enable a userto speak, breathe and pass a drinking straw therethrough, said aperturesincapable of allowing finger sized objects passage therethrough; saidfaceguard yielding an overall streamlined shape which blends in with theshape of said helmet and a generally streamlined interface between saidfaceguard and said helmet when mounted onto said helmet without stray orprotruding edges at any joining parts of said faceguard or helmet andtherefore preventing the hooking or grabbing of opposing playersgarments or fingers; and at least three mounting lugs, wherein areformed apertures, said at least three lugs integrally attached to theperiphery of said faceguard for attaching said faceguard to said helmet.